Ski Gear Review: VECTOR GLIDE, ATOMIC, MARKER | Edited by Takashi Endo

Photo/Masaru Kikuchi

Riders themselves share their impressions of the gear they've been using to the fullest this winter.
This time, we'll be looking at the gear used by Takashi Endo, who is based in Zao, Miyagi and is also active as a coach for the national mogul team.

Endo Takashi's setup

Skis: Vector glide intimacy SE 188cm (140-110-130) '22-23 model
Boots: ATOMIC HAWX ULTRA 120 '22-23 model
Bindings: Marker Jester release value 13 '22-23 model

Ratings and reviews of each gear

Ski Review

Vector glide intimacy SE

●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆

●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale:
Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★☆☆
Touring: ★★★★☆

● Frequently used conditions
: All seasons
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): All
Conditions: All

●Review:
Its outstanding maneuverability is what makes it so appealing, while still providing a sense of stability. Its ability to be controlled exactly as intended allows for a wide range of riding, from carving to shifting depending on the situation. In particular, the binding position is closer to the center, so you hardly feel any weight when swinging. I particularly like the stickiness and flexibility of the rocker in the nose and tail.

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Boots Review

ATOMIC HAWX ULTRA 120

●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Lower shell: ★★★☆☆
Upper: ★★★☆☆

●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★☆☆
Grooming: ★★★☆☆
Hard pack: ★★☆☆☆
Park: ★★★☆☆
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: ★★★★☆

● Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
Season: All seasons

●Review
: The most important thing about these boots is their lightness. Despite their lightness, they are packed with the benefits of alpine boots. They move flexibly, allowing for smooth load distribution. Because they are light, they are easy to climb, even when jumping or hiking up with a backcountry without any issues. They are comfortable and provide a firm hold. You can enjoy both skiing and climbing.

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Binding Review

Marker Jester

●Impressions are rated on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Usability: ★★★★☆
Lightness: ★★★★☆

●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale:
Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: ★★★★☆

●Situations in which it is often used (time, location, conditions, etc.)
Time: All seasons
Conditions: Backcountry, from powder to groomed surfaces, and from bad snow to moguls.

●Reviews
One thing that can be said in common under various snow conditions is that the Jester is reliable in its ability to handle flex and twisting. It doesn't feel heavy. There is a certain amount of height from the snow surface, so it feels easy to step on the skis. I like the secure feeling of the boots snapping into place when putting them on. The overall simple color scheme leaves a good impression and doesn't get boring.

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